Which of the draftees has played in the most games?: Who would know without Googling that Gachkar is first with 42 games played, followed by Liuget (41) and Gilchrist (40). Gachkar, a speedy linebacker from Missouri, is having his best season. Not only is he sticking on special teams, he made three starts this year. Mouton, meantime, has appeared in just three games since a defiant Smith selected him out of Michigan.

Draft projection: Smith expected to strengthen the defense when he invested four top-90 picks into that unit. Personnel man Jimmy Raye said the club had enticing "inside information" on San Diego State's Brown, a possession receiver.

The results: Liuget, Brown, Wright and Gilchrist are starters. Teammates voted Liuget the defense's MVP last year and he remains the line's best player.

But the group hasn't delivered the expected windfall to the defense. Liuget, nagged for several weeks by a shoulder injury suffered in mid-August, hasn't been as disruptive this year. Gilchrist, a slot cornerback in 2011-12, has held the strong safety job but is searching for consistency. Wright is having an up-and-down season, too. Gachkar played well at times at linebacker. As a last-round selection, he has returned good value.

Humid nightmare: Four players are coming off sloppy work in the 20-16 loss at Miami. Liuget negated a teammate's fumble recovery by roughing the passer and also was flagged for being offside. Wright had a bad half in man covarage against Dolphins burner Mike Wallace and twice missed a tackle. Gilchrist whiffed on two tackles as well, one of which contributed to a touchdown. For the second time in three games, Brown didn't get to the right spot and a Philip Rivers pass was intercepted as result.

Bottom line: Liuget is only 23 years old. He looks like he should have a long career if he can stay healthy. As a 3-4 end, he plays a punishing position. Better talent around him would allow him to make more plays. With six games remaining, Wright, Gilchrist and Brown may need to be more productive to hold starting jobs. Gachkar seems to have improved this year. Still, if Liuget turns out to be the only long-range starter, it wouldn't be surprising.